The NASCAR Cup Series delivered an intense moment during the Fourth of July weekend in Chicago, centering around Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman. The incident occurred late in the race as both drivers fought for position inside the top 10, with Bowman ultimately turning Wallace around on Lap 70 in Turn 2. This clash resulted in Bowman finishing eighth, while Wallace dropped significantly to 28th place.
This confrontation captivated fans and insiders alike due to the aggressive nature of their battle and the consequential impact on Wallace’s race. The encounter drew attention especially because it happened during such a critical phase of the competition, with playoff implications looming for Wallace and his team.
Details of the Close-Quarter Duel and Aftermath
Throughout the closing laps, Wallace and Bowman battled fiercely, frequently making contact and jostling for the better position. It seemed either driver could cause the other to lose control, but Bowman gained the upper hand by making a decisive move that forced Wallace into a spin. Wallace’s substantial loss of position compromised his points haul and added tension between the drivers.
Afterward, journalists Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi from The Athletic tried to dissect the incident, expressing confusion over what motivated both drivers to engage so aggressively. Gluck described their tussle as perplexing and questioned the rationale behind the clash.
Alex Bowman defeated Bubba Wallace in quite a bit of a little skirmish there. Let’s talk about Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace. What the hell was that?
—Jeff Gluck, Journalist
Gluck also speculated whether prior events such as the In-Season Challenge might have contributed to the friction between the two.
It was weird. …. I don’t think that was the big picture thinking there for Bubba. I think he’ll regret that, and wish he had that one back. That’s a tough one right there.
—Jeff Gluck, Journalist
Critical Views on Wallace’s Decisions and Playoff Prospects
While Gluck expressed bafflement, Bianchi took a more critical stance, emphasizing the magnitude of the mistake from Wallace’s perspective. He highlighted that Wallace, driving for 23XI Racing, was in a crucial points position without a guaranteed playoff berth and could not afford to lose valuable points due to on-track incidents.
It was a driver in Bubba Wallace who cost himself today a lot of points,
Bianchi said.
He was fast in practice. I think he was like the fastest car, right? Then, qualifying doesn’t go his way. Does a great job, picks his way forward. Ends up with contact with Kyle Larson. Gets spun out. (Recovers for) a big points day. A day when you need — you’re in a points position where you don’t have a win and your path to playoffs is on points. He finished 28th, I think.
—Jordan Bianchi, Journalist
Bianchi further explained the challenge Wallace faces in maintaining composure during a frustrating race day filled with contact and mishaps, noting the difficulty but necessity of controlling such emotions given his precarious playoff situation.
… I don’t know if it’s just in the heat of the moment. You’ve had a frustrating day and you’re getting bounced around again. That’s tough, but you have to rein that in. And it’s hard. I get that. … But he’s in a very precarious spot. There’s gonna be somebody that’s gonna pop up here outside of the (Top 16) you don’t expect. Somebody outside the cut line is gonna win a race. Then, all of a sudden he’s gonna be out, and this is the spot he’s been in for the last few years.
—Jordan Bianchi, Journalist
Importance of Playoff Contention for Bubba Wallace Moving Forward
For Wallace, the path to offset the damage from such incidents lies in winning a race, which would secure his spot in the NASCAR playoffs. The summer stretch is crucial for the Mobile, Alabama native as he fights to climb the standings and avoid missing the postseason, a struggle he has encountered over recent seasons.
The 23XI Racing driver’s ability to convert speed into results without costly mistakes will largely determine whether his season improves or continues to be hampered by unfortunate on-track clashes. This incident in Chicago, while intense, underscores the fine margins and high stakes that characterize the NASCAR playoff chase.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Bubba Wallace’s baby been born?
A. Bubba and Amanda used a joint Instagram post to share the news of their baby’s birth, including photos from the hospital. Their son, Becks Hayden Wallace, was born on September 29th.
Q. What is Bubba Wallace’s salary? Bubba Wallace has a multi-year contract extension with 23XI Racing, which is co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, as of 2025. He is expected to make about $2.2 million a year.
A. How much does Bubba Wallace earn annually?
Q. Is Bubba Wallace a dad?
A. Bubba Wallace, a NASCAR driver featured on NBC, experienced becoming a father last September, and he thoroughly enjoys fatherhood.
Q. How much is Bubba Wallace paid?
A. Bubba Wallace has signed a multi-year extension with 23XI Racing. He will keep driving the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE through the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and beyond. He is expected to earn about $2.2 million each year.
